The entire episode of febrile seizures can be highly frightening for parents of children who suffer from this illness. Parents learn how to deal with such situations and find that such episodes are less scary when they are more informed on the origins, symptoms, and management techniques. This article tells the story of Arjun, a 4-year-old who suffers from seizures.
Patient Story: One day, Arjun started to tremble and seemed to have passed out. His parents took him to the hospital only to find out he suffered from seizures.
Symptoms: Febrile seizures typically occur in children with high fever. Symptoms are:
● Convulsions: involuntary shaking or jerking movements of the body.
● Loss of Consciousness: The child may be unresponsive during the seizure.
● Postictal State: state of confusion or drowsiness after a seizure.
Diagnosis:
- Neurological Examination: involves detailed checking of the child’s behaviour, reflexes, and overall neurological status.
- Electroencephalogram (EEG): to determine seizure patterns and predict risk factors.
- Imaging Tests: MRI or CT scans may be conducted to rule out structural issues.
Treatment Options: Its management focuses on the underlying cause and may include:
- Antipyretics: to reduce fever and prevent seizures.
- Antiepileptic Drugs: For children with recurrent seizures not associated with fever.
- Education for Parents: Teach parents how to manage a seizure when it occurs, including positioning the child safely and timing the seizure.
Arjun’s parents learnt how to manage his fevers and essential steps to prevent future seizures.
What to Do If Your Child Has a Seizure: Parents should remember these steps during a seizure:
● Remain calm and time the seizure.
● Place the child on their side to prevent choking.
● Ensure the environment is safe, removing sharp objects nearby.
● Seek immediate medical attention if the seizure lasts more than 5 minutes.
FAQs
Are febrile seizures harmful?
Febrile seizures are generally not harmful but should be evaluated by a healthcare professional to rule out other causes.
What to do if my child has a seizure?
Keep calm, place the child on their side, and protect them from injury. Seek medical help if the seizure lasts more than 5 minutes.
Can febrile seizures occur again?
Yes, children who experience febrile seizures may have more, especially if they are prone to high fevers.
Disclaimer:
This information is not intended to replace professional medical advice. Always consult a healthcare provider for diagnosis and treatment options.
How HealthPil Can Help:
At HealthPil, we provide access to experienced paediatricians who can help manage your child’s seizure episodes and offer second opinions to ensure you receive the best care.
